Marissa Whitley

Who is Marissa Whitley?

Marissa Whitley is a former Miss Teen USA, having won the 2001 title representing the state of Missouri. She was the first titleholder from that state to win the national competition.

Whitley won her first title, Miss Missouri Teen USA in 2000, and reigned until she won the Miss Teen USA 2001 title at South Padre Island, Texas on August 22, 2001. Whitley was crowned by Jillian Parry of Pennsylvania and later gave up her title to Vanessa Semrow of Wisconsin on August 28, 2002. Whitley is also the 3rd biracial winner of the pageant.

Less than a month into her reign, and now living in New York City, Whitley witnessed the 9/11 Attacks first hand, and was able to use her title to reach out to children affected by the terrorism.

As Miss Teen USA, Whitley represented the Miss Universe Organization. Her "sister" 2001 titleholders were Kandace Krueger and Denise Quiñones.

Marissa Whitley is still residing in New York City where she is working for MTV Networks on the College Television Network and as a commercial print model for Ford Models. She continues to speak at events around the country.